They've laid the groundwork to bring him back once The Framework story ends (if they want). "Heroic Framework Ward" gets downloaded into an LMD and is back on the team. I have to admit, I'd rather enjoy that and the weird dynamic it'd add to the show.

I'd gotten so used to hating him as a villain, but in the one episode I've seen so far, he won me back. Looking forward to what they come up with.

Originally on Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.*, I saw them as a type of Avengers (NOT an exact one-to-one, okay?) where Coulson was the leader, Fitz and Simmons were the team smart guys, and Ward and May were the action guys.** And Skye was the new kid and new talent (hacker) who was the persona for the viewers to get integrated with S.H.I.E.L.D.

I was kinda sad when Ward turned, but goodness, it was fun.

Then Ward was killed on that alien planet, and HIVE took his body and returned. Further interest because I like that actor.

This current arc of AoS is fascinating to me - I'm enjoying it more and more! Is Ward coming back? Okay with me!

CONSIDERATIONS: I was hoping for a cameo or two in the Framework (which still might come, I s'pose) - maybe Anthony Mackie, Paul Rudd - shucks, even Evans or Downey or Jackson in a photo or wanted poster. I was REALLY hoping for a Haley Atwelll guest shot... well, again, it's not impossible.

They had me before, but this arc has REALLY got me on the edge of my seat!

*Stands for Supreme Headquarters International Espionage and Law-enforcement Division. Thbbt.** "Guys" being generic, of course. No offense intended.

So AIDA designed the Framework to remove each person's one biggest regret. May's obviously involved the Inhuman child she was unable to save. I'm guessing Fitz' was about his dad, and Fitz is an asshole in the Framework because his father stayed in his life. Mace is an actual hero instead of just lying about it. What are Mack and Coulson's regrets?

Coulson was involved in Iron Man and Thor's formations as heroes, as well as the recovery of Captain America. He was also pivotal in keeping the Avengers together as a team in their initial outing. His absence as a SHIELD agent would have ripple effects.

I'm not sure Thor's story would have been much different. Coulson and SHIELD were kinda the antagonists in their interactions Couslon didn't "inspire" Thor as much as consider him a potential threat to be dealt with, as any agents in either organization probably would have.

No Fury. No Romanov. No Barton. No Thor...so...no Asgard? No Thanos? No other worlds besides Earth in the Framework?

Whatever changes exist in the Framework were engineered by AIDA. It's basically her fanfiction world. So there won't really be a causality like "Because Coulson wasn't in SHIELD, the Avengers didn't happen." The Framework reality is whatever AIDA wants it to be.

Whatever changes exist in the Framework were engineered by AIDA. It's basically her fanfiction world. So there won't really be a causality like "Because Coulson wasn't in SHIELD, the Avengers didn't happen." The Framework reality is whatever AIDA wants it to be.

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My impression was that the Framework was still following "the rules". AIDA is certainly nudging things to her needs and taking advantage of the loopholes in her programming, but she's still obeying the criteria that Radcliffe set for her. Otherwise, why wouldn't she just redesign the Framework so that she controls everything?

I like how hard SHIELD is doubling down on the political allegory - and making it clear where the creative team's heart is. It will no doubt lose them some conservative viewers (and I wouldn't blame them - I'd be pretty annoyed if a show I enjoyed started calling out 'snowflakes' or some shit), but I'm impressed with the stance and I hope it wins the show some well-deserved audience attention.

On a purely entertainment level, it remains my favorite show currently on the air. Great season with barely a missed beat.

My impression was that the Framework was still following "the rules". Right. Why would Aida even make Daisy/Skye an Inhuman? There seems to be some "skeleton" of reality the Framework needed to be built around.